Non classé

Ensuring safe levels of water quality is paramount for both aquatic and terrestrial environments. With the topic of environmental concerns continuing to grow, understanding and monitoring water quality has become essential in ensuring the health of our water – and planet overall.  Chlorophyll and phytoplankton are excellent indicators when it comes to understanding environmental conditions and aquatic health. They are highly sensitive to changes in water quality, making them great measures of overall water quality and the health of aquatic areas.  Let’s delve into the significance of chlorophyll and phytoplankton as indicators of water quality, exploring their role in assessing the health and ecological balance of aquatic ecosystems. What are chlorophyll and phytoplankton? Chlorophyll is the green pigment found in plants, and it’s vital for photosynthesis. Measuring the chlorophyll concentration in water is important when it comes to estimating the abundance of phytoplankton. Also known as microalgae, phytoplankton exist in a similar way to plants that grow in the earth, with the two major similarities being that they contain chlorophyll, and that they require sunlight in order to live and grow. You will often find phytoplankton nearer the surface of the water you’re testing, due to this being where sunlight is able to penetrate. A chlorophyll sensor works by sending a light beam into the water to be tested, at a fixed wavelength. This wavelength of light excites the chlorophyll, which subsequently fluoresces at a known wavelength band. The level of excitation measured is proportional to the chlorophyll concentration in the water; high levels of chlorophyll indicate high levels of nutrients from fertilisers, septic systems, sewage treatment plants and urban runoff. Why use chlorophyll as an indicator? If a high level of chlorophyll is detected, it is an indication that a high level of phytoplankton is present in the water –  which can be affected by changes to the water’s phosphate, nitrate, and nutrient levels. Whilst natural events such as rainfall and increased sunlight in the summer months can cause these changes, environmental pollution can also have a negative effect. Using a chlorophyll test kit to monitor the levels over an extended period of time helps you to record any natural variation, and potentially enables you to spot pollution events that may adversely affect the phytoplankton population. The main benefit of measuring chlorophyll in water is that phytoplankton react quickly to pulsed nutrient inputs that might otherwise go undetected by regular nutrient sampling. When to use chlorophyll sensors? A chlorophyll meter is an ideal choice for those who are interested in detecting the presence or absence of chlorophyll. Measuring relative fluorescent changes that can be used as an indication of increasing or decreasing concentrations can have great significance, depending on the goals of your testing. Using a chlorophyll meter allows you to identify temporal and vertical patterns of phytoplankton in the water. This method is an effective measure of trophic status, a potential indicator of maximum photosynthetic rate – and an overall measure of water quality. Limitations in monitoring Trying to accurately determine the number of cells present using fluorometric sensors is an indirect method of counting, and therefore is not as accurate as direct cell counts that can be performed in a laboratory setting.  Various external factors can affect the readings, for example: Other microbiological species and compounds that fluoresce at similar wavelengths Differences in the fluorescent response between various species of phytoplankton, temperature, ambient light, and turbidity. As per these reasons, chlorophyll measurement taken directly in the field is intended for qualitative data collection over time to monitor changes in trend, not quantitative analysis. Chlorophyll testing with Aquaread  Aquaread’s chlorophyll sensor is constructed from hard anodised aluminium. It features robust sapphire lenses for the highest optical performance and scratch resistance. It is a fixed response fluorometer, meaning it excites the chlorophyll in the water at a fixed wavelength and then measures the subsequent emitted fluorescence. Benefits of using our chlorophyll testing equipment include:  Simple installation  Installing the Chlorophyll sensor into an Aquaprobe is a straightforward process. First, unscrew the blanking plug from an appropriate aux socket. Then apply some of the provided silicon grease to the sensor thread and screw in the sensor. After installation, full calibration is required. Simple calibration The chlorophyll sensor is calibrated at 2 points. Once your solution is made,  calibration involves placing the probe into the solution and selecting the correct calibration option from the menu. Grab sample factor There can sometimes be a difference between measured values with the sensor and laboratory data, when taking measurements at a particular site. These differences are caused by a number of factors. It is possible to apply a multiplier to the data obtained from our sensor in order to make it better correlate with lab data for that particular site. To do this, we use a grab sample factor. We can calculate this factor by dividing the average grab sample value (measured in the lab) by the average value measured by our chlorophyll sensor. Get monitoring with Aquaread If you would like any further information about our chlorophyll sensor, or about water quality monitoring in general, get in touch with our team. If you’re looking for other water quality testing equipment, check out our range of products.  The post Chlorophyll & Phytoplankton as Measures of Water Quality appeared first on Aquaread.

We often talk about the different variables that affect overall water quality and how we can better manage water quality. But something we haven’t yet discussed is dredging and what the direct and indirect effects of this are on water quality and the overall health of aquatic ecosystems. In this blog, we will touch on the different effects dredging has on water quality from sediment disruption to habitat disturbance, while assessing what this means on a broader scale. What is dredging? Dredging refers to the removal and transportation of sediments and debris from the bottom of water bodies (like rivers and lakes) to more coastal areas. It is a necessity in waterways around the world because sedimentation gradually fills channels and harbours, resulting in sand and gravel mixing into the water. The process of dredging plays a crucial role in maintaining these waterways and creating a clear path for boats and ships, as well as in various construction and environmental remediation projects. However dredging poses a huge threat to the marine environment and therefore must be carried out extremely carefully, with the help of the right dredgers and dredges. Performed incorrectly, dredging can have even more of a detrimental effect on marine quality than it already does. With the main focus of dredging being to remove deposits that lie on the sea bed, the environmental effects of dredging are largely related to this concentrated area — but can have far-reaching consequences.  How does dredging affect water quality? Dredging can have both direct and indirect effects on water quality, especially within the marine environment. The impact of the process can vary depending on the type of dredging, the overall environment, and the specific conditions of the water body too.  Here are some ways in which dredging can affect water quality:  Sediment disruption The process of dredging often results in the disturbance of sediments that can release contaminants into the water. This has the potential to change the chemical properties of the sediment, and in turn, reduce water quality at both extraction and dumping sites for some time after dredging has ceased.  Release of contaminants and increased turbidity  Dredging may disturb contaminated sediments, releasing pollutants such as heavy metals, nutrients, or organic compounds into the water. These pollutants can have a negative impact on water quality, posing risks to both aquatic marine life and human health.  The dredging process and the suspended sediments result in increased turbidity, reducing light penetration. This therefore affects photosynthesis in aquatic plants as well as interfering with the feeding mechanisms of some aquatic organisms too, causing harm at multiple levels in the food chain. Changes in water flow and circulation Dredging activities can also have a negative effect on the natural flow patterns of water bodies. These changes can influence the distribution of nutrients, oxygen levels, and temperature, impacting the overall health of aquatic ecosystems.  Habitat disturbance One of the largest consequences of dredging is habitat destruction. Dredging can alter or destroy habitats, resulting in a reduction of biodiversity for an ecosystem, and potentially leading to changes in water quality parameters. The latest research shows how in 45 cases there was “a total loss of 21,023 hectares (or general surface area) of seagrass due to dredging. Seagrass serves as an ecosystem, a food, and a home to many high-risk marine species”.  Nutrient release Lastly, dredging can cause the resuspension of sediments. This may increase the levels of nutrients available to marine organisms. Although this can be seen as a positive, this can also have a negative effect, leading to algae blooms and oxygen depletion, which negatively impacts overall water quality and aquatic life.  Water quality monitoring equipment  Concerned about dredging in your area? Worried about the impacts on water quality? Keep a close eye on the quality of your water with our water quality monitoring equipment today. Here at Aquaread, we pride ourselves on preserving and protecting our planet. In marine environments, water quality equipment needs to be strong, durable, and accurate. Why not take a look at our website and discover our water quality monitoring equipment —particularly our Marine range? Don’t hesitate to get in touch with us if you’d like to know more.  The post What is Dredging? & How Does it Affect Water Quality? appeared first on Aquaread.

We’re pleased to be able to announce some exciting news about Aquaread’s future. Aquaread has been acquired by nke Group, marking an exciting development for all involved. This feels like a natural progression for both nke Group and Aquaread that serves to strengthen our ability to innovate and provide high-quality products.   “This is an exciting time for Aquaread as we join forces with nke group. This transaction opens up new opportunities for our products and our people, and we are confident that it will strengthen our position in the market. We look forward to working closely with the team at nke group,” says Craig Harrison, CEO of Aquaread.   Who is nke Group? nke Group is a marine instrumentation and electronics company that, for the last 40 years, has been no stranger to innovation in the field. Leaders in the design, manufacture, and sale of measurement and monitoring equipment, they sell profiling floats, tools for oceanography study, multiparameter probes, instrumented buoys, and more. They also offer a range of instrument systems for sailboat racing and cruising, including sensors, displays, autopilot, and chart plotters. It’s safe to say nke Group knows the world of water inside out. nke Group’s team of professionals take their environmental responsibility seriously and care deeply about issues like fighting climate change — a cause dear to our hearts, too. As multi-award-winning designers and manufacturers of water quality monitoring equipment ourselves, this partnership opens the door to many exciting opportunities. Mr. Alain Boschet, CEO of nke Group summed it up perfectly:   “We are delighted to complete this acquisition, which will unlock significant synergies, not only by strengthening our product portfolio but also by creating new business opportunities through complementary distribution networks and merged R&D expertise.” About the acquisition We feel strongly that this alignment with the highly reputable nke Group is the start of something special – a new dawn for Aquaread.  A key advantage of this collaboration lies in our enhanced ability to innovate and develop global solutions in the water monitoring sector. With our combined wealth of research and development expertise, this merger empowers us to offer a broad spectrum of highly advanced instrumentation – underscoring our commitment to staying at the forefront of our industry. The combination of nke Group’s exceptional underwater monitoring equipment and our results in a powerful, comprehensive range of precision instruments that will benefit our customers, partners, and employees alike. We’re still Aquaread: everything you’ve come to expect from us and why we do it remains intact. In fact, this union provides an opportunity to do even more of the things we are so passionate about. The exceptional standards that have come to define us will be maintained, and we look forward to a future marked by innovation, collaboration, and excellence.  Keep your eyes peeled for exciting things to come! The post Aquaread Acquired by nke Group: A New Era in Water Technology appeared first on Aquaread.

We’re often talking about types of water pollution, how we can better manage water quality, and certain indicators of a healthy body of water. But something we haven’t yet touched on in great depth is the actual impact of poor water quality on aquatic life. Ahead of the International Conference on Pollution and Treatment Technology in November, this is all the more present for us. In this blog, then, we wanted to touch on the effects of water pollution on marine organisms and what this means on a broader scale. Understanding water pollution As we’ve touched on many times before in our blog, water pollution is a pressing global issue. There’s nowhere in the world that pollution hasn’t made its mark on. And let’s be clear here – pollution isn’t, itself, a malevolent perpetrator. If we’re talking pointing fingers, it’s unfortunately high time we hold ourselves, our wider societies, and large corporations to account… Without ineffective industrial practices, for example, we wouldn’t have chemical solvents, radioactive material, and untreated waste entering nearby rivers and lakes. Similarly, the demand for quickly-produced high volumes of food paved the way for the use of harmful pesticides. Whether it’s industrial pollutants, agricultural chemicals, urban runoff from ever-increasing floods, or plain old littering, there are countless ways that our waters become contaminated. We don’t necessarily anticipate there being many cynics among our readers, but let’s play devil’s advocate for a minute. Why does it matter? Apart from a few more bits ‘n’ bobs in the ocean and a slight discolouration of the Earth’s big blue soup, is water pollution so bad? (Spoiler alert — yes, it is, it really is.) If you’re already on-board with the idea that water pollution = bad, you won’t be blamed for wondering just what makes it so damaging for marine life. So let’s take a look. Why aquatic ecosystems are so vulnerable Life on Earth started in water. 3.5 billion years ago, single-celled microbes lived around hydrothermal vents. 6.6 million years ago, sponges were some of the first more recognisable species to populate the sea. That means that for 6.6 million years at least, the sea has played host to aquatic ecosystems. Only for the last 300,000 of those years have modern humans been around — and in the last century, us humans have managed (one way or another) to begin undoing the millions of years of evolution the ocean has undergone to get here. Indeed, it’s not all roses under the sea. The ocean has always been a hostile environment — big fish eats innocent seal eats little fish eats littler fish, and so on. But it’s a mechanism that works without interference. An ecosystem is, by definition, a complex community of organisms that interact and depend on each other to survive (or not).  The issue arises when you introduce a third party that changes the wild course of nature. One such third party is pollution. To put it crudely, this delicate web of algae, jellyfish, sea cucumbers, fish, whales, seals, sting rays, and more are not evolved to deal with the contaminants we’ve so quickly developed. You introduce that third party and things quite quickly get thrown off balance — no longer can marine life do its thing. And that spells trouble, not just for the ecosystems there, but for us, too (more on that later). The impacts of water pollution on aquatic ecosystems That’s the top-level view of it, but what are the specifics? What does water pollution actually do to marine life? We’ll take a look at some of the direct and indirect effects here. Physical harm to fish Contaminants like heavy metals, oil spills, and pesticides can directly harm fish and other aquatic organisms. Fish can ingest these toxic substances, which can cause deformities like gill damage, fin and tail rot, reproductive problems, and even death.  One such example of this in action is the 2021 oil spill off of Los Angeles. 126,000 gallons of crude oil spilled from a pipeline connected to an offshore rig, leading to the closure of 15 miles of beach and the death of an uncounted number of fish and birds. Oxygen depletion A more insidious impact of water pollution is the reduction in oxygen levels it can cause, one way or another. Certain pollutants – like nitrogen and phosphorus, often found in agricultural runoff – can promote excessive algae growth.  When the algae dies and decomposes, it poses even more of a threat in that they consume huge amounts of oxygen. In this way, they create ‘dead zones’ where fish and other life can suffocate due to the lack of oxygen. The destruction of habitats Not only can pollution cause direct harm to marine life, it can also damage their environments and indirectly impact them in turn. As we touched on above, certain contaminants can promote the growth of fungus, bacteria, and algae. These can overtake and impede on the growth of more naturally-occurring plants that marine life depends on to survive.  Similarly, the existence of huge algae or moss mats alone is a problem in itself, as it stops sunlight and certain life-giving nutrients from reaching further down to plants and fish.  Picture Nemo living amongst the coral reef and anemones. Should these habitats have been destroyed, Nemo wouldn’t have a place to live and – importantly – hide when faced with trouble. Bigger fish would have a field day! The delicate balance is thus disrupted, causing imbalances in the populations of certain species and reducing the overall resilience of the ecosystem. The plastic problem Plastic is perhaps the pollutant you hear about the most — and rightly so. It’s made from raw materials like natural gas, plants, and oil. But that’s not all; harmful chemical additives that enhance durability and flexibility are present in almost every type of consumer plastic we have. When out at sea, other contaminants are actually attracted to this plastic waste — meaning that when animals eat them, they get a

Think you might have spotted water pollution? Or, perhaps you’re looking to get ahead of the game and want to know the signs before they crop up? Either way, we know that being faced with a potential pollution incident can be quite daunting. We love our UK waterways — from the babbling streams that run through woodlands to the precious rivers at the heart of our towns. Seeing these green havens affected by potential polluting events is distressing to say the least. Fortunately, there are avenues for reporting water pollution which we’ll get into later in this blog. First, let’s look at the signs so you know what to look out for. How to spot water pollution Water pollution takes many forms. Luckily, many of them are quite obvious — some, though, take a keener eye!  As for the more obvious signs, if you notice toilet paper, wipes, tissues, sanitary products, or even faecal matter, it’ll be clear that a sewage incident has occurred. However, it’s not always that straightforward; in the sea, for example, sewage overflows can cause swimmers to become ill without anything having looked out of the ordinary. Water companies are required to report these leakages, though (and for the most part, they do…) — you can check your local bathing water on the Surfers Against Sewage app. Another clear sign of pollution is the presence of dead or dying fish. In this case, the water might be polluted with chemicals, and you should absolutely avoid contact with it. Some other signs include: A cloudy or milky appearance to the water  Lots of slimy fungus or algae Foam in predominantly still waters A foul smell – like chlorine, rotten eggs, chemical, or sewage smells Common causes If you think you’ve spotted water pollution and want to know the causes behind it, great! Knowing the possibilities might help you determine that what you’ve seen is, indeed, a pollution event. Some of the most common causes of water pollution and questions to ask yourself are, then: Agricultural runoff (e.g. fertilisers, pesticides, manure) Signs: excessive algae, dead fish, foul smells Is there a farm nearby? Industrial waste (e.g. metals, chemicals, oils, fuel) Signs: oily film, foaming, changes in water colour, chemical smells Where’s the nearest factory or plant? Is there a construction site nearby? Effluent release (e.g. toilet roll, sanitary products, urine, faecal matter) Signs: sewage! Where’s the nearest wastewater treatment plant? Is there a storm overflow near? Urban runoff (fuel spillages, street debris, rubbish) Signs: oily film, changes in water colour, debris in the water Are there busy roads nearby? Perhaps there are roadworks happening? Any of the above, caused by flood water carrying chemicals or materials into waterways Has there been significant rainfall recently? What to do when you spot water pollution If you do spot polluted waters, ensure that you avoid contact with them and, if you can, let anyone around you know.  The best next step is to call the Environment Agency hotline (0800 80 70 60) to report it. Make sure that you have to hand: The name of the waterway The location you believe to be polluted (use What Three Words!) The potential source of the pollution, if it is obvious Any details about what you can see (and/or smell) Your contact number, in case they need to call you back. Unfortunately, because the Environment Agency seems to receive less funding year on year, they are often unable to respond to every incident — particularly ones that aren’t serious. If you believe the pollution to be sewage-related, it is worth doing a Google search for ‘report water pollution [your town]’; there may well be a local service that can manage it. For example, many regional water companies take direct pollution reports in case their network is at fault. If the polluted waterway belongs to the Canal River Trust (see if they manage any near you), you can get in direct contact with them. They deal with all minor incidents in their canals and rivers. If it’s a major event (e.g. causing wildlife distress or death), you will need to defer to the Environment Agency as above. In Wales, call 0300 065 3000. Report water pollution to Surfers Against Sewage If you have spotted sewage or plastic pollution in the sea or on the beach, it’s worth checking whether it has already been reported by the local wastewater management company. In the case that it hasn’t, there is a high chance that the general public is unaware. It’s well worth downloading the Surfers Against Sewage app and reporting an incident. You can do this with the following steps: Take a picture of the pollution Go to the ‘Locations’ tab Find the beach on the map and click on the drop icon (which may have a ‘tick’ on it) Scroll down to ‘Evidence of Pollution?’ and click ‘Report Now’ Fill in the date and answer the questions about what the image shows Upload the image Submit your report. Alternatively, you can send an email with the details to saferseasservice@sas.org.uk. Surfers Against Sewage also recommend emailing your local MP — you can do this via the app if there is a live pollution incident, by clicking on the location and scrolling down to ‘Contact your local MP’. It’ll give you a templated email that you can simply fire off. Water pollution monitoring Do you need to monitor a body of water for pollution? We know how much of a difference accurate monitoring can make — to the health of an environment and of aquatic organisms alike.  If you need reliable, high-quality testing equipment – whether for educational or environmental reporting purposes – we’ve got you covered. Discover Aquaread and our range of water quality monitoring products! The post Water Pollution: The Signs & How to Report it appeared first on Aquaread.

The sea is crucial. Like us humans, the body of the Earth is mostly made up of water; to say it keeps things ticking over would be an understatement. We’ve talked before about the significance of clean marine water, but what about ocean temperatures? Like every other natural habitat, a fine balance is needed to maintain a healthy ecosystem. And when the planet’s water is relied upon for so much, the effects are deeply felt when that balance is knocked out of whack. Here, we wanted to tackle a key part of that balance in the form of sea water temperature. Are sea temperatures going up? What’s global warming got to do with it? And, crucially, what impact does this have on the planet and on us? Read on to find out more or, if you prefer, use the index below to navigate through this guide: Are sea temperatures rising? How is global warming affecting water temperature? Climate change as a natural phenomenon The El Niño Southern Oscillation What’s ENSO got to do with climate change? The impacts of sea surface temperature Aquatic ecosystems Cyanobacteria Coral reefs Ice melting Weather patterns Land temperatures & sea levels The significance of marine temperature monitoring Are sea temperatures rising?  The average daily surface sea temperature has been on the rise since records began around 1985. See the thick black line on this graph by NOAA for a view of 2023’s temperatures. https://climatereanalyzer.org/clim/sst_daily/ Birkel, S.D. ‘About Climate Reanalyzer’, Climate Reanalyzer (https://ClimateReanalyzer.org), Climate Change Institute, University of Maine, USA. Accessed on 18/06/2023. As Professor Matthew England, a climate scientist at the University of New South Wales said in an article from the Guardian, “The current trajectory looks like it’s headed off the charts, smashing previous records.”  While an average temperature increase per decade of around 1 degree Farenheit might not seem like much, it becomes clearer how dramatic this is when you consider the ocean’s vastness. About 71 percent of the Earth’s surface is covered in water. That’s roughly 332,500,000 cubic miles of water.  Now think about how long it takes to boil your kettle. A few long, dragging minutes, all to boil enough for a few cups of tea. That is, it takes so much energy to boil a litre of water that it takes minutes to do so. Considering the enormity of the ocean, an average temperature increase of 1 degree per decade means the ocean has to be absorbing so much more energy than it usually would – and this is quite frightening. But why? And why is it happening in the first place?   How is global warming affecting water temperature? The biggest contributors to ocean warming are our general acceleration of climate change and greenhouse gas emissions. The beginning of the Industrial Revolution a few hundred years ago marked the start of our excessive use of fossil fuels. Along with industrialisation came deforestation and the annihilation of many natural carbon-capturing environments.  All of this amounts to a huge increase in greenhouse gas (carbon dioxide, methane, etc) emissions and heat being pumped into the Earth’s atmosphere. In 2019, for example, CO2 levels in the atmosphere were higher than at any time in at least 2 million years.  Greenhouse gases form something of a blanket around the planet, trapping extra heat nearer the Earth’s surface, causing temperatures to rise. This is known as the greenhouse effect. Of course, not all of the heat we have ever produced stays within the atmosphere, but it does have a huge impact – and that heat has to go somewhere. In fact, much of this heat is absorbed into the planet’s oceans. Though the ocean is a natural carbon sink, it can’t keep up with humanity’s rising emissions. As a result, it will continue to heat up exponentially unless something changes – and soon.   Climate change as a natural phenomenon Climate change in and of itself is, indeed, a ‘natural phenomenon’ – but we want to make some definitions very clear here. In its natural form, climate change describes long-term shifts in temperatures and weather patterns. The Ice Age, which came on incredibly slowly, can be described as a period of climate change. Research shows that for the last 2.6 million years, the earth has been alternating between long ice ages and shorter interglacial periods. These generally happen around every 100,000 years – so typically, that’s 90,000 years of ice age and then a 10,000-year interglacial (warmer) period.  We’re currently in an interglacial period known as the Holocene and, for the last 2,000 years, the earth’s climate has been relatively mild and stable. Or at least it was, until humanity began speeding up climate change.  The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change has stated that, “Since systematic scientific assessments began in the 1970s, the influence of human activity on the warming of the climate system has evolved from theory to established fact.”   The El Niño Southern Oscillation We can’t talk about rising sea water temperatures without mentioning the El Niño Southern Oscillation – also known as ENSO – which occurs in the Pacific Ocean. This vast expanse of water experiences consistent east-to-west trade winds, which drive warm surface waters towards the western side of the ocean (around Asia and Australasia). Meanwhile, colder waters ‘upwell’ along the coasts of South and Central America. Warmer waters in the west release additional heat into the air, causing it to rise more vigorously, resulting in unsettled weather – with increased cloud cover and rainfall. Cooler, drier air descends on the eastern side. It is this circulation which reinforces the easterly winds. In this way, the region maintains a self-perpetuating equilibrium until the arrival of El Niño. Tropical Pacific weather systems can trigger a sequence of events that weaken or reverse the prevailing wind direction. This leads to a reduction in the amount of warm water being pushed towards the western side and, therefore,  less upwelling of cold water on the eastern side. Typically colder ocean regions become warmer and

Put simply, Aquaculture refers to the practice of farming aquatic organisms in controlled environments. You may have more commonly heard it referred to as ‘fish farming’. Shellfish, fish, and algae are cultivated and harvested from dedicated marine and freshwater environments (including man-made ones) for commercial and recreational purposes — largely, for consumption by us humans! Read on to find out more about this practice, why we do it, and how it works. How does aquaculture work? Like with agriculture, the methods used in aquaculture depend largely on what’s being farmed and who is farming it. Three common types of aquaculture include: Fish farming – the most common form of aquaculture, fish farming involves raising fish in captivity (but often within wild environments — e.g. in a cage submerged in a river). Algaculture – this refers to the cultivation of algae (from phytoplankton to seaweed) often in man-made open-pond systems or in marine shorelines. Mariculture – the cultivation of marine organisms like shellfish from their natural environments – again, often in submerged cages. Even within each of these types, exact methods can vary depending on the type of aquatic organism being reared. As an example, some shellfish – like mussels – can be grown on suspended ropes with very little input required. Initially, microscopic mussels settle on the ropes, and in a year’s time they will have grown into fully-formed mussels. On the other hand, more complex systems are often used to raise fish like salmon, tilapia, and trout. In-land farms require sophisticated, energy-intensive water treatment centres and recirculation systems. Why we need aquaculture Experts agree that there is simply “no way we are going to get all of the protein we need out of wild fish” (Rosamond Naylor, food policy expert at Stanford University).   The world’s seas and rivers are increasingly overfished, with the ever-rising human population leading to insurmountable demands. Because marine and freshwater environments can no longer naturally meet the demand for seafood, aquaculture offers a more sustainable option. So long as it’s practiced responsibly, it eases the strain on wild fish populations. Let’s take a look at some of the other benefits of aquaculture: The generation of food globally & locally  Because aquaculture can be practised wherever there’s water and a will, local markets can often benefit directly from its supply. Finally, communities can benefit from local-grown produce, rather than trying (and failing) to fish waters that have often been destroyed by short-sighted global fishing practices. The creation of economic opportunities It’s estimated that 58.5 million people were employed in aquaculture in 2020. In places where economic opportunity is limited otherwise, the industry has the potential to (and does) lift people out of poverty. We’ll discuss one of the issues with this later on, though. An improved feed conversion ratio Any food that we rear has to be fed in order to eventually feed us. The resources (and amount of them) required varies with the animal product, for example: 6.8 pounds of feed are needed to produce a pound of cattle Only 1.1 pounds of feed produces a pound of fish. Considering their protein-density and the fact that they’re packed with healthy oils, vitamins, and minerals, it’s clear that fish farming weighs up well in terms of resource demand. Especially when compared to agriculture, which is often incredibly resource-intensive — up to 23% of global greenhouse gas emissions come directly or indirectly from agriculture.  When you also take into account that half of the world’s habitable land is used for agriculture, it becomes clearer why we need to look for alternatives. Where aquaculture needs to be improved Since the birth of aquaculture, people have been wary of its repercussions — cautious about the very real possibility that we’d just be setting up a food factory similar to agriculture on land. Indeed, it has often looked suspiciously similar; the National Geographic reports that in the 1980s, ‘swathes of tropical mangroves’ were bulldozed to create farms that now serve a huge amount of the world’s shrimp. Like with any industry, aquaculture itself isn’t a problem — it’s the rapid spread and lack of regulation. In a capitalist system, production can quickly become a race to the bottom: who can spend less and make more? Cuts are made – or investments never established in the first place – to processes that allow for environmental and health-based best practices. Nets aren’t replaced, fish are given harmful feed to maximise growth and are fed antibiotics, and worker pay is reduced. While aquaculture has a whole host of benefits, they apply to the best-case scenario, when healthy practices and regulations are followed strictly. The issue is that, with the industry still being in its infancy, there is very little standardisation when it comes to regulation. This can often lead to unfair labour practices. As The Global Seafood Alliance puts it, “if many jobs are available but companies do not treat their employees fairly, then that does not accomplish the goal.” Limited oversight leads to problems with compensation and expectation, which leads to reduced ability to carry out high-quality work. This cycle can defeat the very point of aquaculture. But there is hope for this blossoming industry. Companies like The Global Seafood Alliance are doing great work to advocate for aquaculture standards and worker treatment.  When done sustainably, aquaculture can address many of our environmental and social concerns like reducing our carbon footprint while producing enough food for the world’s population. Seaweed cultivation, in particular, has many advantages in this sense. Not only does it create a refuge habitat for other marine species, but it also sequesters a huge amount of carbon dioxide — more than forests. Aquaculture requires water quality monitoring An industry based on the health of a body of water requires a dedicated water quality monitoring approach. Without healthy water, there is no end product, be it fish, kelp, or clams. Nutrient buildup, for example, can occur when fish density is high in a small area. If fish waste has

Antimicrobial resistance (often abbreviated to AMR) is quickly becoming a serious public health issue. You may have heard of things like the growing problem with MRSA in hospitals, but AMR generally is set to skyrocket as a public health issue on a global scale – with some researchers predicting that it’ll be on par with cancer as a leading cause of death by 2050 globally.  What actually causes antimicrobial resistance is complex – involving numerous factors over large scales and timeframes – but one of the most overlooked factors is that of water quality. Let’s look at what exactly AMR is, why it’s a problem, the role of water in its growth, and what can be done to avoid it.   What is Antimicrobial Resistance? Antimicrobial drugs are the cornerstone of modern medicine – drugs like antibiotics, antifungals, antivirals, and antiparasitics are, in many cases, the last line of defence against each respective pathogen. Now, pathogens are alive, which means that they gradually evolve resistances to substances that harm them. In short, antimicrobial resistance is a real-time proof of “survival of the fittest” at the microbial scale..  The core problem with the rise of AMR is that the misuse and overuse of antimicrobial medications in humans, animals, and agriculture has accelerated the evolution of resistance. This has led to the emergence of what many are calling “superbugs” that are largely or entirely immune to medicinal methods of treatment. This makes them extremely dangerous because, without medicinal backup, the only defence is a body’s immune system – which tends to not be particularly effective against new and aggressive pathogens. We should note here that we’re using the term “pathogens” instead of “bacteria”, “viruses”, and so on because pathogens are specifically harmful microbes – there are actually countless microbes that we not only benefit from but that, as humans, we entirely rely on.   The role of water in the spread of AMR Almost all pathogens will die quite quickly without access to water. Even airborne pathogens can only live for a maximum of 5-6 hours while in the air – and even then only if the air is humid enough. Some pathogens can survive for longer (sometimes up to a few days) on certain surfaces, but usually only when protected by water droplets or some water-carrying substance (like mucus). Most pathogens die within minutes outside of a host or suitable medium. Essentially, water is to microbes what air is to humans. That’s why water quality is so crucial here.    How water gets contaminated Water sources get contaminated in various ways. In order to not open up a serious can of worms, we’ll only refer to freshwater sources here rather than saltwater because saltwater contamination has a different and more complex cycle involving considerably more than AMR growth; for example, there’s credible evidence that marine life is being seriously affected by untreated pharmaceuticals from sewage released into the sea. Freshwater sources such as rivers, lakes, underground aquifers, and reservoirs can become contaminated primarily through the release of untreated sewage, from agricultural runoff, and from industrial pollutants. In practice, industrial pollutants aren’t such a significant factor for freshwater contamination in the UK anymore because of two main reasons. Firstly, we don’t have a great deal of manufacturing industry left and, secondly, manufacturers that remain are under greater scrutiny from regulatory bodies after the industrial excesses of the 19th and 20th centuries. Untreated sewage and agricultural runoff, however, are really serious forms of contamination.   What happens when water is contaminated by pathogens? The most immediate threat from contaminated water is simply that people become sick. This is, for the most part, not an issue when we’re referring to tap water because tap water is so heavily treated in the UK (through lots of filtration as well as various disinfectant methods) – but contaminated freshwater sources like rivers and lakes create ample opportunity for pathogens to infect humans. For example, a dog might jump into a contaminated river, a person may swim in the river unknowingly (usually downstream from the contamination source, where contamination is no longer obvious), or pathogens may become “airborne” when water is kicked up by heavy winds. Humans can then spread these pathogens in the same way any virus or bacteria is spread: through contact or shedding (such as sneezing and coughing). But, most crucially, contaminated water creates the perfect breeding ground for more resistant microbes. When large numbers of pathogens are in regular contact  with each other in a body of water, gene transfer can occur – where pathogens “pass on” certain resistances to each other. This can even happen between different pathogenic species, so it can quickly cause mutations that we couldn’t have imagined.   Can’t people choose not to swim in contaminated water? Yes, people can certainly “choose” not to swim in contaminated water. But the personal choice of the human doesn’t justify the release of waste because we aren’t the only creatures to live around and depend upon water sources. These pathogens and contaminants also pose a serious threat for all life around those sources. For example, sewage and industrial runoff affect all downstream habitats from the source of pollution. They can get into downstream marsh habitats that are also frequently used for grazing and then create a serious risk of contaminating the grazing animals themselves but also all of the wild birds and mammals that live in that habitat. Those birds then tend to migrate – or at least move around a reasonably large area searching for food – which then poses threats to other farm animals and other wildlife. While it’s unclear how much of an effect water quality has had on it, avian flu is a perfect case to illustrate how easily spreadable pathogens can become when infecting migratory species. There’s a moral issue to protect habitats here, but there’s also a fundamental need to protect them because we rely on their complexity for our survival. The best ways to address contamination There’s

Erosion of earth materials results in them being worn away and transported over time by natural forces such as water or wind. While soil erosion is a natural part of the earth’s ecosystem, its acceleration due to human related factors has raised significant environmental concerns.  The essence of understanding soil erosion lies not just in recognising its impact on the landscape but also in appreciating its profound effects on water quality. Read on to explore more. What is soil erosion? Soil erosion, a natural process exacerbated by human activities, threatens our land’s vitality and water bodies’ purity. Soil erosion is a natural process where the top layer of soil is removed or worn away by water, wind, ice, or human activities. This process can be accelerated by factors such as deforestation, agricultural practices, overgrazing, construction, and other land-use changes that disrupt the soil’s natural integrity, and poses significant challenges to environmental health and agricultural productivity. How does soil erosion impact water quality? When soil erosion occurs, it can lead to the loss of nutrient-rich topsoil, reduced agricultural yields, and increased sedimentation in water bodies – having a significant impact on water quality. When topsoil is eroded, it doesn’t just disappear; it is often carried into nearby streams, rivers, and lakes. This process can have several negative effects on water bodies. Sedimentation Eroded soil particles that enter water bodies can lead to sedimentation, these parts then sit at the bottom of all natural water sources; rivers, lakes, and streams. Sedimentation can impact aquatic habitats, reduce the clarity of the water, and disrupt the natural flow of water bodies, affecting both aquatic life and water quality. Nutrient pollution Soil often contains nutrients like nitrogen and phosphorus, which are essential for plant growth. However, when these nutrients are washed into water bodies in large amounts, as a result of  erosion, they can lead to nutrient pollution. This can cause excessive growth of algae which depletes the water’s oxygen supply, harming or even killing fish and other aquatic organisms. Pesticides and contaminants In agricultural areas, the topsoil contains not only nutrients but also pesticides and other contaminants. Erosion can carry these toxic substances into water bodies, posing risks to aquatic life and potentially contaminating drinking water sources. Increased turbidity The presence of fine soil particles suspended in water increases its turbidity or cloudiness. High turbidity can block sunlight from reaching aquatic plants, disrupting photosynthesis, and can also clog the gills of fish and other aquatic animals, impairing their ability to breathe. Factors contributing to soil erosion As we have discovered so far in this blog, soil erosion is a complex process influenced by various factors, which can be broadly classified into natural and human-induced. Natural factors include anything that is out of human control such as rainfall and runoff, wind, soil structure and vegetation, whilst human factors include deforestation, agricultural practices, construction and mining practices, urbanisation and climate change. Water quality testing with Aquaread Understanding soil erosion’s profound impact on water quality is a practical necessity for safeguarding our environment, and most of all, water sources that provide us with our daily water. The degradation of soil through erosion carries away not only the earth’s precious topsoil but also pollutants into our water bodies, compromising the health of aquatic ecosystems and the purity of our water resources.  Ensuring the integrity of water quality is imperative for sustaining life, agriculture, and industry. At Aquaread, we highlight the critical role of advanced water monitoring solutions, and taking meaningful steps towards cleaner, safer water. The post Soil Erosion: What it is & How it Impacts Water Quality appeared first on Aquaread.

According to a recent study, the average daily water usage per person in England and Wales was 146 litres. Have you ever stopped to consider where the water in your tap comes from?  The next time you pour yourself a glass of water, why not consider the journey behind it? Tap water embarks on a journey spanning hundreds of miles before reaching us — as well as undergoing rigorous treatment to ensure its safety for consumption.  In this blog, we delve into the intricate process that delivers clean water to our taps whenever we need it, covering where this water actually comes from and whether it is as good for us as we think. What are the common drinking water sources? There are a range of different water sources that are used for drinking water across the world. Each water source has its advantages and challenges, and ensuring access to safe and clean drinking water is crucial for public health and well-being. In the UK, drinking water comes from natural sources that are either groundwater or surface water – these are then sourced, treated, and sent to the taps in your homes. Let’s explore these in turn below. Surface water Surface water refers to any water that comes from water found on the earth’s surface — rivers, lakes, reservoirs, and streams, for example. Surface water is often collected in reservoirs and then treated before being distributed to our homes. There is, however, the chance that pollution from various sources such as agricultural runoff, industrial discharge, and urban runoff can be discharged into surface water, and be missed in the treating process. That being said, surface water is a lot more accessible than groundwater, and is therefore relied upon a lot more. Here at Aquaread, we produce surface water monitoring applications which are focused on water quality and water level measurement. So, if you are unsure about the quality of your tap water, we can help. Groundwater Groundwater, on the other hand, refers to water that is stored beneath the earth’s surface in underground aquifers. Typically, groundwater is extracted by constructing wells or boreholes and is generally considered to be cleaner and less susceptible to pollution than surface water. However, groundwater can still become contaminated from sources such as leaking underground storage tanks, septic systems, and agricultural chemicals.  Aquaread also offers groundwater monitoring solutions which consist of taking water quality and water level measurements to be plotted and used to monitor changes in trends over time. Removing large contaminants from water As we have already established, large contaminants are effectively removed through centralised treatment processes. But water quality can still vary depending on factors such as: The condition of the distribution system Plumbing within buildings And potential sources of contamination Large contaminants include particles, sediment, debris, and other visible impurities that can not only affect the aesthetics of water but also pose potential health risks to consumers. Is tap water actually good for you? So, we’ve established where your tap water comes from and the main sources. Now it’s time to see if tap water is actually good for you. It is clear that opting for tap water is the most environmentally friendly and cost-efficient form of drinking water. What’s more, according to Discover Water, British tap water has a quality rating of 99.96%, and it is very well-regulated in the UK. Despite the tap water in the UK being generally considered safe for public consumption, many consumers opt for point-of-use filtration systems at home to further enhance water quality and safety. Some include: Mechanical filters Absorption filters Sequestration filters Ion Exchange filters Reverse Osmosis filters With the majority of contaminants being removed before the water reaches your taps, depending on your location, you may find that your mains water causes limescale deposits that can block pipes and affect appliances. However, these problems can be easily solved by one of the water filtration devices outlined above. So, in short, yes, tap water is safe. However, it is always recommended that you take an extra step and utilise an at-home water filtration system to ensure complete safety and taste. Get monitoring with Aquaread If you would like any further information about our surface water or groundwater water monitoring solutions, or about water quality monitoring in general, get in touch with our team.  If you’re looking for other water quality testing equipment, check out our range of products, or learn more on our blog. The post Where Does Drinking Water Come From? appeared first on Aquaread.